The Perfect Northern BC Road Trip
Highway 16
You may be confused–Highway 16 is very clearly situated in the middle of British Columbia. However, “Northern BC” commonly refers to the top two-thirds of the province, stretching about 1,500km from Williams Lake to the Yukon border. The area is vast with only a smattering of towns and villages. We start our journey close to the BC/Alberta border in the charming town of McBride.
McBride
McBride sits on the Fraser River and is relatively close to Mount Robson, one of BC’s largest mountains. The Yellowhead Highway steers right through town, home to a population of less than 1,000. Some of the top things to do in McBride include McBride’s Heritage Railway Station and Visitor Information Centre, and Horseshoe Lake. McBride is the perfect place to enjoy a hike and there are a number of trails of varying difficulty to choose from. The Goat River Trail to First River Crossing is an easy 8km out-and-back and is enjoyable in all seasons. It’s kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and even great for a run.
Where To Stay In McBride
Get a great night's rest at Sandman Inn McBride. It’s located in the centre of town and you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Cariboo and Rocky mountain ranges. Their onsite restaurant, Heartland, is the perfect place to enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal before tucking into one of Sandman’s famously comfy beds.
Prince George
On the intersection of Highways 97 and 16, and on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, sits Prince George. The city was once a lumber boom town and home to more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in Canada. Today, Prince George is a regional technology hub and leader in post-secondary education. While in town, be sure to visit The Makerie–an arts & crafts studio that invites you to get hands-on. They offer specialty workshops as well as a daily, rotating schedule of projects. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended! Other awesome things to do in Prince George include Overhang Climbing Gym, Two Rivers Gallery, and The Exploration Place Museum & Science Centre.
Where To Stay In Prince George
Sandman Signature Prince George Hotel is the place to enjoy a restful night. Along with all the amenities you’ve come to expect–such as free Wi-Fi, free overnight parking, and a swimming pool–the hotel features an onsite restaurant, Rockford Grill. If you’d prefer to prepare your own meals, kitchen suites are available, too!
Smithers
A beautiful 4-hour drive west from Prince George brings you to Smithers. Home to Hudson Bay Ski Resort and world-class steelhead fishing, there are tons of outdoor endeavours to enjoy. Smithers has a rich history thanks to trappers and traders, the railroad and the telegraph–but it’s the Gidimt'en Clan and the Witsuwit’en people who have called this place home for generations before the first Europeans arrived. A self-guided historical walking tour of Smithers is a great idea at any time of year. A horse trip is another great way to see Smithers. Giddy up with Mountain View Trail Riding to experience local mountains, meadows, and trails.
Where To Stay In Smithers
Find a comfy bed at an unbeatable rate at Sandman Inn Smithers. Rooms are pet-friendly and you’ll have access to a fitness centre during your stay. Plus, it’s easy to plan the rest of your journey or even stream your favourite show, thanks to the free Wi-Fi.
Terrace
Where the Skeena River meets the Kitsumkalum River, you’ll find Terrace–your gateway to adventure. Hiking, biking, camping, and paddling are all commonplace in Terrace, and there are opportunities to golf, climb, fish, and ski to boot! A wildlife tour is a must-do in Terrace and Skeena Wilderness Safaris are the people to take you. Grey, humpback, and Killer Whales can be spotted off the coast in summer months, or choose a river tour for your chance to sight some bears, deer or moose. Terrace also has a vibrant arts & culture scene and you’d be a fool to miss one of its galleries or historic sights. We recommend paying a visit to one of Terrace’s neighbouring First Nations, too, to experience some Indigenous culture firsthand.
Where To Stay In Terrace
A stay at Sandman Hotel Terrace puts you right in the thick of it. With views of the Skeena River and Shames Mountains, as well as service second to none, it’s the perfect place to recharge. Plus, with a Denny’s Restaurant onsite, there are plenty of options (and coffee) to refuel ready for another day of adventures.
Visiting BC In Winter
Some of North America’s best ski resorts are in British Columbia. When moist, warm coastal air from the Pacific collides with the cold, dry climate of BC’s mountains, the ideal conditions are created for waist-deep pow. So we thought we’d share some of our favourite ski resorts in British Columbia. We couldn’t just stop at a “Top 5”, so there are 8! Which ones are on your bucket list?